California data center war takes vile turn as racist slurs fly at powerful union
A formal complaint was filed by the North Coast States Carpenters Union against anti-data center protestors in Pittsburg, California, alleging racist and homophobic slurs during a public meeting. The union supports the AVAIO Perseus Data Center project, which locals oppose due to environmental and quality-of-life concerns. The Pittsburg City Council has since formed an advisory committee to gather input and shape future data center policy.
A contentious dispute surrounding the proposed 76-acre AVAIO Perseus Data Center in Pittsburg, California, has intensified following allegations of racial abuse. The North Coast States Carpenters Union filed a formal complaint with the Pittsburg City Council, asserting that its Black and Latino members, who support the project, were subjected to racist and homophobic slurs, including the N-word, by anti-data-center protestors during a public meeting on August 3. Union head Jay Bradshaw emphasized that the verbal attacks went beyond mere disagreement.
The union's complaint calls for a city investigation, increased police presence at public meetings, and preservation of evidence, citing potential violations of state civil rights law. Local residents, who are not a singular organized entity, fiercely oppose the data center, citing concerns over resource depletion, diesel exhaust emissions, noise pollution, and disruption to their quiet community. The project is slated for a former municipal golf course near residential areas and schools.
Despite the strong opposition, which has even drawn national attention from figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, city leaders have welcomed the 99-megawatt project from AVAIO Digital as a "major investment." Following the August 3 meeting, Pittsburg City Manager Darin Gale announced the formation of an advisory committee on data center development. This committee aims to gather input from residents and stakeholders to help shape future data center policy in the city, acknowledging ongoing community questions about such developments.